Deadline: 12-May-2026
The Independent Research Fund Denmark is inviting applications for its Pre-graduate Scholarships to support talented BA and MA students in carrying out independent scientific research projects. The scheme offers up to DKK 150,000 for 6–12 months (excluding overhead) and is designed to help students gain research experience, produce potentially publishable work, and strengthen their interest in pursuing future scientific careers.
About the Opportunity
The Independent Research Fund Denmark Pre-graduate Scholarships are designed to support promising students who wish to gain hands-on research experience before completing their degree. The programme aims to encourage talented BA and MA students to explore a future in research by funding independent scientific projects carried out under academic supervision.
The scheme is intended for students who have already completed at least two years of education and are ready to undertake a meaningful research project that contributes academically, rather than serving as routine assistance to an existing research team.
Purpose of the Scholarship
The scholarship aims to:
- Support independent scientific research experience
- Strengthen students’ academic and research development
- Encourage interest in scientific and academic careers
- Help students produce work with publishable potential
- Ensure students contribute through innovative research, not routine support tasks
Funding Information
Selected projects may receive:
- Up to DKK 150,000 (excluding overhead)
The grant covers:
- The student’s scholarship support
- Related operating expenses
This funding is awarded as an operating grant to the supervisor’s research activities, not as a direct salary arrangement for the student.
Duration
The scholarship supports projects for:
- 6 to 12 months
The research project must normally be carried out over:
- Two consecutive semesters
If necessary, the project may be extended to:
- A third semester
Study and Research Structure
The expected structure includes:
- One semester that is teaching-free or taken as leave
- A second semester that focuses mainly on research activities
Students without a formal research semester in their academic programme may still apply, but they must take leave for at least one semester to complete the project.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is intended for:
- BA and MA students
- Students who have completed at least two years of study
- Students whose studies have included evaluation/assessment
A major condition is that the student’s academic programme must allow:
- No more than six months for completion of the master’s thesis
Ineligible Students
Students are not eligible if:
- Their academic programme allows more than six months for completion of the master’s thesis
- Their project already has full or partial funding for the student’s salary from other sources
Role of the Academic Supervisor
Applications must be submitted by the student’s academic supervisor, not by the student directly.
The supervisor is generally expected to:
- Hold a PhD or equivalent qualifications
- Demonstrate an independent research profile
- Have sufficient time and capacity to supervise the student properly
The student will carry out the project independently, but under the supervisor’s guidance.
Project Expectations
The funded project should:
- Be an independent scientific research project
- Show innovation and academic value
- Contribute meaningfully to research
- Avoid being limited to routine support tasks
- Have the potential to result in publishable work
This means the scholarship is especially suitable for students with a strong research idea and a committed academic mentor.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This is a valuable opportunity for students who want to build an early research profile before graduating. It can help talented BA and MA students gain structured research experience, deepen academic skills, and strengthen their path toward:
- PhD studies
- Academic careers
- Research-intensive professional roles
Because the scheme supports independent work rather than assistantship-style tasks, it is particularly strong for students who want to demonstrate real research capacity.
Quick Tips for Applicants
To improve the chances of success:
- Ensure the project is clearly independent and research-driven
- Show that the work is innovative, not routine support
- Confirm the student has completed at least two years of study
- Check that the degree programme allows no more than six months for thesis completion
- Make sure there is no overlapping salary funding
- Work closely with a qualified supervisor who has time for active mentorship
- Emphasize the project’s potential for publishable results
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the Pre-graduate Scholarships?
Talented BA and MA students who have completed at least two years of study and are enrolled in programmes meeting the thesis-duration eligibility rules.
2. How much funding is available?
Applicants can receive up to DKK 150,000 (excluding overhead).
3. How long can the scholarship last?
The funding supports projects for 6 to 12 months, normally over two consecutive semesters.
4. Can students apply directly?
No. The application must be submitted by the student’s academic supervisor.
5. What is the thesis-related eligibility rule?
The student’s programme must allow no more than six months for completion of the master’s thesis.
6. Can students without a formal research semester apply?
Yes, but they must take leave for at least one semester if their programme does not include a formal research semester.
7. Can the project already be funded elsewhere?
No. The project cannot already have full or partial salary funding for the student from other sources.
Conclusion
The Independent Research Fund Denmark Pre-graduate Scholarships offer an excellent opportunity for ambitious BA and MA students to gain meaningful research experience before completing their studies. With funding of up to DKK 150,000 for 6–12 months, the scheme is ideal for students ready to undertake an independent scientific project with strong academic potential. Applicants who can demonstrate innovation, research independence, eligibility within their degree structure, and strong supervisory support will be best placed to benefit from this pathway into future scientific and academic careers.
For more information, visit Independent Research Fund Denmark.